SCOTUS AND THE ODD COUPLE

At a time when American society has become increasingly polarized, I can’t think of a more propitious time to look at an example of how respect, civility and friendship  can flourish and overcome dissenting factious opinions.

There is no finer example of this than the friendship that existed between former Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg,  who eventually became to represent two branches of the Supreme Court.  Affectionately known as R.B.G by her supporters, Ginsburg was known to have anchored the liberals.  Scalia, “The Lion of the Law” led the conservatives.

These two became the best of friends based on their devotion to the Constitution; although built on different interpretations—bonding over a shared love of opera, love of country,  good food and wine, and their childhoods in New York.

This  enduring friendship helped them form a mutual respect that extended far beyond the courtroom.  Their families became friends too—the soft spoken but powerful Ginsburg—and the gregarious, witty  Scalia.  In remembrance of these two titans of the law, it might inspire  us to Look at this remarkable and yes, cordial, relationship.

Ginsburg’s most famous quote is  “Fight for the things that are important to you, but do it in a way that will lead others to follow you.” Scalia  is noted for remarking, “Call us the odd couple.  She’s a very nice person. What’s not to like? Except for her views on the law.”

Because they were ideological opposites, their relationship was considered improbable.  They didn’t compromise those beliefs for each other,  but they didn’t let it cause animosity or disrupt their friendship.